The great outdoors awaits children affected by Friday’s wide-ranging teachers’ strike.
The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is hosting a “pop-up camp” for children aged six to 12 throughout the day as members from all of the province’s teaching unions hit the picket line.
“Since the labour disruption has begun, parents have found this is a fun place to send their kids,” said Wye Marsh event and volunteer coordinator Amanda Swick, who noted Wye Marsh has hosted similar camps over the past few weeks.
Swick said that besides spending time in nature, the camp provides a fun, safe place for students during the strike while also featuring educational components since there’s always plenty to learn at the facility, located just off Highway 12.
“Each day is themed and they’re all based on nature,” she said.
Campers can expect to enjoy two hikes daily with a boardwalk sojourn a possibility as well as the chance to roast bannock and visit the marsh’s feathered friends and animal ambassadors.
So far, 11 of the 16 available spots are taken by campers registered for the Friday offering and Swick said it’s easy to tell when a daycamp is in session.
“There’s always a lot of yelling, screaming and laughter,” she said. “It’s always great to have people around the marsh enjoying it.”
As well, campers will have the opportunity to learn about reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey, explore more than 25 kilometres of wilderness trails and visit the centre’s “bold” Trumpeter Swans.
While pre-registration is preferred, registration is available on the morning of the camp on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be in at least Grade 1 with the camp costing $29.25 per day and running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early care is also available from 8:30 to 9 a.m as well as late care from 4 to 5 p.m. with each costing an additional $5.
To register, download the registration form (found at wyemarsh.com) and submit the completed form either at the visitors centre (open until 5 p.m. daily), via fax (705) 526-3294 or by email [email protected].
